This bill requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish new federal regulations within one year to improve security around synthetic nucleic acid (gene synthesis) production and distribution. The regulations will require companies that synthesize or sell genes and gene-synthesis equipment—called "covered providers"—to screen customer orders against a federal list of concerning genetic sequences and verify customer identity to prevent misuse that could create dangerous pathogens. The bill also directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop testing and standards to support these screening systems and authorizes civil penalties of up to $500,000 for individuals and $750,000 for other entities that violate the rules. Additionally, the bill establishes a "biotechnology governance sandbox" to test new biosecurity innovations and directs the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to assess and streamline fragmented biosecurity oversight across federal agencies within 90 days, with recommendations for consolidating or clarifying authorities. The Secretary must update regulations every two years and report annually to Congress on compliance.
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